My son was called for interview at Fordham in 3 weeks. I am helping him to prepare answers to some possible questions. Anyone who could give us examples of questions asked by Fordham and what is the student profile that they are looking for? Thank you in advance
1 Like
Hi, is he applying for a theater major or something else? (I have a student at Fordham majoring in Theater Tech.)
1 Like
Not the original poster, but would love to hear about your student’s experience as a Theater Tech major, as that is what my S27 is leaning towards right now. Curious especially about Fordham and the two different campuses – is all Theater Tech at Lincoln Center campus, or has/does your student spend any time at the Rose Hill campus? Thanks!
1 Like
So the entire Theater program, including the acting, tech, directing and writing tracks are all at the Lincoln Center campus. So essentially all of the Theater majors are at LC. Fordham’s theater program is a BA program, but is very time intensive so really functions more like a BFA program in a lot of ways. With all the classes plus all the evening hours required, I think it would be nearly impossible to live at Rose Hill. My student has not even found it easy to find the time to take classes at Rose Hill. He has done it only maybe 2 semesters total.
The cons of Fordham’s theater tech program are small facilities, old facilities, and the fact that there are no musicals (Fordham’s theater program sometimes does “plays with songs” but no true musicals.) Truthfully, after attending a huge high school with a well-funded theater program, Fordham’s facilities were a step downwards.
The pros include an amazing location (right next door to Lincoln Center), flexibility (you can change tracks within the Theater major, or double up on tracks), a tight knit and supportive program of happy students, many professors who work in the industry, and a rigorous education overall including strong core requirements outside the major (requirements in foreign language, writing, philosophy, religion, math, natural sciences, social sciences.) This is an undergrad only program, so no competition with grad students for opportunities. Also there is the ability to do a semester away.
For my student, the pros really overcame the cons. He was able to do 2 different concentrations within the tech track, and be the main-stage designer for each of these 2 concentrations his senior year. He had always been a strong overall student, so liked that Fordham’s program gave him room to do a semester abroad as well as take plenty of classes outside the major while still providing lots of opportunities in theater (4 main-stage productions, many small productions, plus paid theater tech opportunities on and off campus.) He really has taken advantage of all NY has to offer. When he told us that he wanted to go to school in NYC, he said the reason was that he wanted to go to museums, and plays, and operas, and ballets, and botanical gardens, and architecturally important buildings “all the time”, and I was doubtful, but it turns out that is exactly what he has done. But if your student is interested in learning tech in large theater spaces with cutting edge technology, or wants a true BFA conservatory program with minimal requirements outside the major, then Fordham is not the right place.
Best wishes to you and your student! Feel free to ask any questions.
2 Likes
in the future, don’t hijack a thread. It’s considered rude to the OP; start a new thread instead
Hello! I hope you are still around :). Yes, my son applied to Theatre/performance. And I guess that is our question. Would the interview be about his personal experiences, interests, goals etc or specifically about performance? He interviewed at NYU and the questions were how do you prepare for a role, what is your dream role etc. He didnt feel right in that interview as he was expecting to talk more about his persona and how he thougyt he might fit in NYU and NY in general. The interview felt as if you had to be an actor already instead of having the potential to be.
1 Like
Well, my S22’s experience probably is not applicable because he interviewed in Theater Tech not performance. But he did interview with both NYU and Fordham and his experience was that NYU’s interview was pretty tightly focused on his theater experience and goals, while Fordham’s interview was more informal and spent more time getting to know him as person. He got accepted to both schools and chose Forham based largely on price (we received no need aid or merit aid at NYU.) But he has also been happy at Fordham and I think the program has been a good one for him for all the reasons I mentioned above. Also Fordham’s Theater students (both performance and tech) are a tight knit and happy bunch.
4 Likes
Thank you! That helps a lot. He is leaning towards Fordham since it offers the posibility of finding out more about the other theater concentrations. Interview this weekend. We are hopeful.
2 Likes
Best wishes! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
1 Like